Skip to main content

Distress Beacon Activated for Tanker CHEM POLARIS in Atlantic Ocean

August 2, 2024 (09:43 UTC): A distress beacon alert was received by the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Norfolk at 2:35 am UTC (7:35 am EDT) on August 2nd, 2024.


The beacon, a 406 MHz EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), originated from the Liberian-flagged chemical tanker CHEM POLARIS (MMSI 636016965). The alert did not provide any additional information beyond the vessel's identification and location.

The CHEM POLARIS is currently located at 33° 29.9' North, 50° 18.8' West in the Atlantic Ocean. Mariners in the vicinity are urged to exercise caution, maintain a sharp lookout, and report any sightings to RCC Norfolk.

Ship Details:

  • Name: CHEM POLARIS
  • IMO: 9416044
  • MMSI: 636016965
  • Flag: Liberia
  • Call Sign: D5IQ3
  • Size: 146 meters x 24 meters (479 ft x 79 ft)
  • Gross Tonnage: 11,751 tons
  • Deadweight Tonnage: 19,859 tons
  • Built: 2008 (16 years old)

Weather Conditions in the Area:

  • Wind: Easterly at 9 knots with gusts up to 12 knots, decreasing.
  • Wave height: 1 meter (3.3 ft).
  • Visibility: Good with clear or partly cloudy skies.

The cause of the distress beacon activation and the status of the CHEM POLARIS remain unknown at this time. The U.S. Coast Guard is likely attempting to contact the vessel and determine the nature of the emergency. This article will be updated with further information as it becomes available.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

  On the night of March 6, 2025, at 22:16 UTC, a crew member of the merchant vessel MV Ariadne fell overboard in the central Adriatic Sea, approximately 30 nautical miles off the Italian coast, at latitude 41°39'N and longitude 16°50'E. Current weather conditions in the area are favorable, aiding search and rescue operations. The Italian Coast Guard promptly initiated search operations, deploying naval units and helicopters to locate the missing mariner. All vessels transiting the area have been alerted and are requested to maintain vigilant watch, reporting any sightings to the National Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (IMRCC) in Rome. The Coast Guard commander emphasized the importance of collaboration among maritime units in emergencies like this, noting that swift intervention is crucial to increasing the chances of successful rescue operations. Search efforts will continue unabated until the missing mariner is found or until authorities deem it necessary to conclude ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Distress Alert: Sailing Vessel Kiliki Overdue and in Need of Assistance

UPDATE:  The crew members were rescued.
Post a Comment
Read more

The Dramatic Ordeal of M/V CHRISTINA DEBORA: From Mechanical Failure to Abandonment in the Mid-Atlantic

In June 2025, the standby safety vessel CHRISTINA DEBORA , 38.77 meters in length, experienced a maritime emergency that culminated in its abandonment in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after drifting powerless for more than two weeks. The vessel had been sold and reflagged to Zanzibar either shortly before or just after leaving South Africa. The Beginning of the Crisis – June 8, 2025 The ordeal began on Sunday, June 8, when CHRISTINA DEBORA , navigating approximately 300 nautical miles northwest of St. Helena Island, suffered a major clutch failure, completely losing propulsion. Seven crew members were onboard at the time. The distress call was officially reported by MRCC NATAL on June 11: the vessel was adrift and urgently required clutch repair parts as well as potable water. Captain Victor managed to contact Johnny Clingham, the administrator of the Facebook group “St Helena’s Talk Group,” who verified the authenticity of the request and informed the wider maritime community. ...
2 comments
Read more